There are many scholarships that are available to cancer patients and survivors. The ones that are available in Michigan are marked with a mitten.
The Ruth Cheatham Foundation
Eligibility Requirements:
A cancer survivor or undergoing cancer treatment between the ages of 17 and 26.
Enrolled or accepted in an accredited undergrad, graduate, or trade school.
Full-time student (24 credit hours a year).
U.S. Resident
Deadline:
See website for details: https://www.ruthcheathamfoundation.org/scholarship-info
Learn More →Children’s cause for Cancer Advocacy
Award: (2) $2,000 scholarships
Eligibility: Under 25 years old, legal resident of US enrolled in a bachelors degree or higher.
*See application for all requirements and deadline.
Learn More →My Hometown Heroes
My Hometown Heroes is a 501(c)3 organization designed to provide scholarships for young adult cancer survivors between the ages of 17 and 39. Our mission is to financially assist and recognize these amazing individuals who are pursuing a college education. Through community outreach, collaboration, and creativity we inspire with stories of hope and progress.
Dates to submit applications typically between Nov and Feb.
Learn More →Aaron Bonner Scholars Program
There are 3 separate Aaron Bonner Scholarships; Two for undergraduate and One for study abroad.
Purpose: To assist those with financial need in college costs.
Deadline: Refer to webiste for details.
Award: varies and is renewable.
Eligibility requirements:
Enrolled full time as a high school senior in the US with plans to enter a post-secondary institution no later than the fall following graduation.
Demonstrate financial need.
Be involved in co-curricular and community service activities.
Learn More →
American Cancer Society
Depending on where you live, your local chapter of ACS may offer scholarships. Call 800.227.2345 to be connected to your local chapter.
Restrictions
Regional
Learn More →
Cancer for College
Cancer for College was formed in 1993 by Craig Pollard as a senior project while at the USC Business School. Craig was a two-time cancer survivor and witnessed first hand the financial impact cancer can have on a family and the hope a college education can provide to a survivor.
Purpose
To provide hope and inspiration to cancer survivors and amputees by providing college scholarships
Award
Varies dependent on need. California students and residents get first consideration.
Eligibility
Must be a US resident enrolled in an accredited university or community college
Must be a cancer patient/survivor
Perpetual scholarship recipients must be willing to attend regional events associated with scholarship awarded and available for selected interviews and/or media coverage.
Application Requirements
Diagnosis confirmation
School information
Financial information
Personal statement
Copy of acceptance letter
Estimated annual cost of attendance
Tax return
Two letters of recommendation
Transcript
Application Deadline
Refer to website for details.
Links
https://cancerforcollege.org/application-faqs/
Restrictions
California first, then National
Chalik & Chalik Annual Survivors Scholarship
A new college scholarship has been announced by Chalik & Chalik Law Offices. Aimed at those who have survived a serious medical diagnosis and are moving forward in their lives, the $1,000 scholarship is open to those attending college or law school in the U.S.
Learn More →
Environmental Research Center
Chris Heptinstall founded the Environmental Research Center (ERC) to bring about an environmental balance and change to the industries that continue to contaminate the consumer. He seeks to bring about public awareness to the toxins and contaminants found within many consumer products. Chris founded ERC in 2009 and has had tremendous success in persuading companies doing business in California to change their trade practices and bring their products into compliance. Chris has a passion for the outdoors and welcomes the opportunity to partner with other organizations concerned about the health of consumers and the environment.
Purpose
These scholarships are available to provide financial assistance to college students in their pursuit of a higher education who have previously or are currently diagnosed with cancer. High school seniors or current college students are eligible for these scholarships.
Award
Scholarships, up to $1,000.00 each, will be awarded on an ongoing basis to students who qualify.
Eligibility
Qualified applicants must be students who will be, or who already have been, accepted to an accredited two or four year higher education institution
Can provide verification of a diagnosis of cancer
Must be a United States Citizen
Must currently maintain residency in the State of California or be accepted into a two or four year higher education institution located in the State of California
Application Requirements
A completed scholarship application
At least two personal letters of recommendation from personal references, not family members
High school transcript
Acceptance letter to an accredited 2 or 4 year higher education institution or copy of your unofficial college transcript
Doctor’s written diagnosis of your cancer diagnosis
A one page synopsis of your path to recovery
Application Deadline
Refer to website for details.
Links
www.erc501c3.org/scholarships/erc-cancer-scholarship/
Restrictions
California
FinAid
The Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid
Purpose
Search engine for multiple scholarship opportunities. Site provides information about scholarships for cancer patients, survivors, children of a patient or survivor, students who lost a parent to cancer, and students pursuing careers in cancer treatment.
Application Deadline
Refer to website for details.
Links
Friends of Scott
Friends of Scott is a non-profit organization that was founded in memory of Scott Delgadillo who lost his life to childhood cancer. The Friends of Scott Foundation’s (FSF) mission is to help children with cancer and their families. We ensure they receive the emotional and financial support needed to cope with this devastating disease. FSF strives to bring Childhood Cancer Awareness to the community.
Purpose
Our scholarship program is designed to provide funding to survivors who want to continue their education through technical school, vocational school, junior college, or a four-year college or university.
Award
$1,000
Eligibility
Applicant must be a cancer survivor or currently receiving treatment
Must be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited undergraduate or graduate school
Application Requirements
Applicant must be a cancer survivor or currently receiving treatment
Must be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited undergraduate or graduate school
Submit copy of acceptance letter from the college or university
Two letters of recommendation
Signed statement from attending physician verifying applicant’s medical history
Submit a 500 word essay describing “How has my experience with cancer impacted my life?”
Complete the application including a signature
Submit a release form stating their photos and success stories can appear on the FSF website
Application Deadline
Refer to website for details.
Links
www.friendsofscott.org/scholarship.aspx
Restrictions
National
John Foy “Strong Arm” Leukemia Scholarship
Here at John Foy & Associates, we are known as the “Strong Arm of Georgia”. We are a tough Atlanta Personal Injury law firm that will fight to the finish for our clients. But our associates know that not every battle is fought in the courtroom. Fighting a disease requires more than a legal “Strong Arm”-it requires a dedicated team of medical staff, loved ones and countless more. Fighting leukemia requires determination, drive and diligence in both the patient and the patient’s loved ones. Often, the battle is a solitary one, isolating the patient and family. Our firm associates recognize this. That’s why we are delighted to introduce the first-ever John Foy & Associates “Strong Arm” Leukemia Scholarship.
Learn More →
Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance
The Purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial assistance to college students in their pursuit of higher education. If you’ve battled a form of cancer yourself, or witnessed a loved one receiving treatment we want to hear from you.
Award: $4,000 to one student per semester
Application Deadline: Refer to website for details.
Requirements:
Must be enrolled full-time at an accredited two-year or four-year university, community college or junior college, or a graduate degree program.
This scholarship is offered nationwide to United States citizens.
Students must be in academic “Good Standing” and have a minimum Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher to be eligible.
Learn More →
Michael A. Hunter Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is for graduating high school seniors, community college, and four-year university students who are leukemia patients and/or are children of non-surviving leukemia patients. To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must be enrolled or plan to enroll full-time, have a 3.0 GPA, and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship is offered nationwide.
Learn More →
National Children’s Cancer Society
The mission of The National Children’s Cancer Society is to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and their families worldwide.
Purpose
The Beyond the Cure Scholarship Program awards college scholarships to childhood cancer survivors who have demonstrated the ability to overcome the difficult challenges of cancer with determination and motivation.
Award
Not Published
Eligibility
Applicant must be:
A childhood cancer survivor under the age of 25 and diagnosed before the age of 18 with cancer or a high grade or anaplastic brain tumor
A citizen of the US living within the country and attending school in the U.S.
Accepted into a post-secondary school in the Fall
Application Requirements
Beyond the Cure (BTC) Ambassador Scholarship application completed in full
Written essay as directed in the application
Copy of the acceptance letter from the college, university or vocational/technical school you plan to attend
Written documentation from your treating physician confirming your cancer diagnosis, age and date of diagnosis and treatment status
Two letters of recommendation
Official transcript(s) with signature and/or official school seal
2.5 minimum GPA
Brief summary of community service
Completed financial form that verifies financial status
Application Deadline
Refer to website for details.
Restrictions
National
Learn More →
National Collegiate Cancer Foundation
The National Collegiate Cancer Foundation’s mission is to provide services and support to young adults who have been diagnosed with cancer. Our goal is to help these survivors and their families establish a “Will Win” attitude in their fight.
NCCF is committed to providing need-based financial support to young adult survivors who are pursuing higher education throughout their treatment and beyond. Furthermore, the Foundation promotes awareness and prevention of cancer within the young adult community.
Purpose
The National Collegiate Cancer Foundation was established to provide services and support to young adults whose lives have been impacted by cancer and who have continued with their education throughout treatment or after their treatment.
Award
These $1,000 competitive awards will be judged based on the criteria listed below. All scholarships are one-time awards. Previous awardees are encouraged to apply each year that awards are offered. However, they must submit a new application each year.
Eligibility
Must be a young adult cancer survivor or current patient.
Note: we do not currently offer scholarships to siblings or children of cancer survivors.
Must be between the ages of 18-35
An exception will be made if you are 17 and entering college in the fall following application.
US citizen or permanent resident
Attending or planning to attend an accredited college, university or vocational institution in pursuit of an associate, bachelor, master’s, doctorate or certificate as of the fall following application.
Application Requirements
Displaying a “Will Win” attitude with respect to his or her cancer experience
Quality of essays
Financial need
Overall story of cancer survivorship
Commitment to education
Quality of recommendations
Application Deadline
Refer to website for details.
Restrictions
National
Learn More →
National GRACE Foundation
The National GRACE Foundation provides FREE college admissions and financial aid counseling to pediatric cancer patients and survivors.
Purpose
GRACE helps students and families:
understand the college admission process
reach deadlines and requirements of the colleges of interest
assist in applying for outside/private scholarships
work with parents on understanding total costs of the school
serve as a reference
act as a liaison with schools
continue to work with students upon graduation on managing student loans, etc.
work with undergrads on pursuing a graduate degree
Application Deadline
Refer to website for details.
Links
www.graceamerica.org/GraceFoundation/services/
Restrictions
National
Patient Advocate Foundation
During PAF’s daily interactions with patients, PAF staff often interface with patients who either themselves or a loved one has experienced the impact of a chronic illness or life threatening disease on one’s post secondary education.
In 2000, Founder, CEO and Chairman of the Board, Nancy Davenport-Ennis established the Scholarship for Survivors program to hone these individuals by offering educational scholarships to those who have suffered (or are suffering) a life threatening disease or chronic condition. These students have, despite their disease/condition, excelled academically, served the community, and desire to pursue a secondary education.
Purpose
The purpose of our scholarship program is to provide support to individuals, under the age of 25, who have been diagnosed with or treated for cancer and/or a chronic/life threatening disease within the past five years.
Award
Award amount is $3,000 payable in equal amounts (per semester/trimester/quarter) directly to the college or university for the purpose of defraying tuition, books and other fee costs
Eligibility
Applicant must be under the age of 25
Applicant must have been diagnosed with and/or been actively treated for a life threatening disease within the past 5 years
Applicant must be pursuing an Associate’s Degree as a bridge to a Bachelor’s degree or higher
(Note: the applicant may be directly pursuing a Bachelor’s degree first without obtaining an Associate’s degree)
Application Requirements
Applicant must complete Scholarship for Survivors application in full (Part A-E)
Write an essay on how their diagnosis has impacted their lives and their future goals (1000 word maximum)
Submit written documentation from a treating physician that outlines applicants’ medical history
Provide an OFFICIAL high school and/or current college transcript (to include school seal); whichever is applicable
Must submit completed financial form that will demonstrate financial need and include a copy of the first two pages of tax return
Application Deadline
Refer to website for details.
Learn More →Ronald McDonald House Charities
Purpose: RMHC desire to assist students to reach their full potential. To help them accomplish this, our network of U.S. Chapters, along with the global office of RMHC, offer scholarships to students in financial need who have demonstrated academic achievement, leadership and community involvement. Application deadline: refer to site for details.
Award: Varies yearly
General Eligibility Requirements:
To apply for an RMHC scholarship, a student must:
Be a high school senior
Be younger than 21 years old
Be eligible to attend a two- or four-year college, university or technical school with a full course of study
Be a legal U.S. resident
Live in a participating RMHC Chapter’s geographic area
Submit a complete application and all required documentation by the deadline of the application
Meet any additional eligibility requirements outlined by each scholarship program
Provide verification of enrollment each year at respective accredited post-secondary institution
Learn More →Ryan Mullaly Second Chance Fund
A Scholarship Fund for Kids Fighting Lymphoma
Purpose
Cancer and cancer treatment takes a terrible toll on high school students, many of whom are unable to graduate on time, to do well on the SATS, to attend class regularly or to participate in sports or other activities that might culminate in a scholarship for college. The Fund aims to serve this group of youngsters who have been deprived of a normal high school experience that most teenagers take for granted.
Award
Each award is $1000.
Priority is given to students still undergoing treatment and those with permanent effects from treatment.
Eligibility
You are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
You were diagnosed with lymphoma (any type) or a recurrence of lymphoma between age 13 & graduation from high school
You were under active treatment for lymphoma while in high school, resulting in a substantial impact on your ability to attend class, take the SAT’s, etc.
You have a treatment history that includes chemotherapy and / or radiation
You have not previously been awarded a scholarship from our fund
You will be pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree at an accredited 2 year or 4 year college OR you will be enrolled in an accredited trade program that will result in certification
Application Requirements
MAIL your completed application form, proof of school enrollment, essay and treating oncologist’s letter
Application Deadline
Refer to website for details.
Restrictions
Lymphoma only
Learn More →
Scholarships.com
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Stephen’s Soldiers Foundation
The Stephen’s Soldiers Foundation was founded to make a difference in the lives of children/young adults and their families that have experienced cancer. Stephen’s Soldiers seeks to educate the community about young adults with cancer and how they can help, provide a platform to share survivor/non-survivor stories that encourage proactive activities and awards scholarships for cancer survivor students.
Purpose
Provide scholarship assistance to young adults who have had or are currently fighting cancer.
Award
Three $2,500 scholarships are awarded per year
Application Deadline
Refer to website for details.
Learn More →
The Rainbow Connection
When you dream, your mind takes you to a place where anything is possible. When you dream there are no limits to what you can accomplish. And when you dream you leave all your troubles behind. For the thousands of Michigan kids suffering with life threatening illnesses, sometimes a dream feels like all they have. Making those dreams come true is what The Rainbow Connection is all about.
Purpose
The purpose of The Rainbow Connection Scholarship Program is to support the educational goals of our wish recipients. The scholarship amount is $1000. Each $1000 scholarship is paid directly to the institution selected by the recipient.
Award
$1000, up to four years. Must reapply each year.
Eligibility
Applicant must be a recipient of a Rainbow Connection wish.
Not based upon financial need therefore financial statement is not required.
Not based upon scholastic ability. Recipient’s acceptance into an accredited college/university will provide evidence of academic ability.
Application Requirements
The applicant must submit a letter with a completed application telling the selection committee about the wish experience and how the diagnosis has impacted your life and future goals.
Application Deadline
Refer to website for details.
Links
http://www.rainbowconnection.org/services/scholarship-fund/
Restrictions
Michigan
The SAMFund
The SAMFund supports young adult cancer survivors in the United States as they recover from the financial impact of cancer treatment. Through direct financial assistance, in-person and online support, The SAMFund helps young adults move forward towards their personal, professional, and educational goals.
Purpose
No longer offering tuition assistance, but will help with other expenses. There is a link to several tuition assistance sites for cancer patients/survivors
Application Deadline
Refer to website for details.
Links
The Simon Cancer Foundation
The Simon Cancer Foundation was created in honor of Harvey Simon and his struggle with cancer. Due to his Multiple Myeloma, he endured chemotherapy as well as a stem cell transplant. Harvey represents the true meaning of the human will and his spirit and accomplishments will live on through this foundation
Purpose
To provide a one-time scholarship to cancer patients/survivors who are attending college.
Award
Several $500 and $1000 scholarships
Eligibility
Enrolled in 4-Year College or University in the Fall of the previous year
Have a cumulative 3.0 unweighted GPA (4.0 scale)
Demonstrate strong leadership and community service commitment
Purpose
Provide GPA
Outline community service
Outline Leadership
Essay on how your experience with cancer driven you to help others? (1000 word limit)
Application Deadline
Refer to website for details.
Links
www.thescf.org/Scholarships.html
Restrictions
National
SurvivorVision’s® Textbook Scholarship Program: Helping Survivors Make the Grade!
SurvivorVision® is very excited to announce our Textbook Scholarship Program. This initiative is specifically geared towards pediatric cancer patient/survivors. We hope to empower cancer patients/survivors to live the best life possible after cancer. This scholarship will help young cancer survivors obtain a college education and attain their personal, professional and educational goals.
Due June 1 of upcoming school year.
Learn More →Financial resources for college students with disabilities
Financial Aid and College Scholarships for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia offers several scholarships to AYA’s planning to participate in higher learning.
Learn More →